Restore Pans: Remove Old Grease And Burn Stains

Burnt-on grease on pans can be a challenge to remove, but it's not impossible. There are several methods you can try at home to get your pans clean and fresh. One popular method is to use a commercial oven cleaner, which can effectively remove burnt-on food and tough grease. Another method is to create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the pan, and scrub with a non-scratch sponge. You can also try using vinegar and baking soda, or even a dishwasher tablet. For non-stick pans, it's important to avoid abrasive cleaning tools and instead use a soft sponge or cloth to prevent damage to the coating.

Baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning Old Grease and Burns Off a Pan with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Remove Burnt Food and Debris

Start by removing as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Use a spatula or scraper to get rid of any loose bits of burnt food.

Step 2: Boil Vinegar

Fill the pan with enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan by at least half an inch. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add one cup of baking soda. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing and bubbling mixture. It is recommended to do this step over the sink, as the reaction can be quite vigorous.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Settle

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. This may take a few minutes. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar helps to break down the burnt food, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Discard Liquid and Scrub the Pan

Once the reaction has stopped, carefully discard the liquid down the sink. Using a nylon scrub brush or a scouring pad, scrub the pan to remove any remaining burnt-on food or residue. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Tips for Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• Be cautious when handling the hot pan and vinegar mixture, as it can cause burns.
• Always use a non-scratch sponge or scrubber when cleaning the pan to avoid damaging the surface.
• If there is still some burnt-on residue, repeat the process or try making a paste with baking soda and water and let it sit on the affected area for a few minutes before scrubbing again.
• For heavier duty cleaning, you can also try combining baking soda, vinegar, and water in the pan and bringing it to a boil before scrubbing.
• For burnt non-stick pans, create a slurry of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in the pan. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously for 5 minutes to loosen any burnt residue. Allow the mixture to cool, then discard the vinegar solution and rinse the pan with warm water.

Dishwasher tablets

To use a dishwasher tablet to clean your pans, start by wetting the bottom of the pan with a small amount of warm water. Then, simply rub the tablet onto the burnt areas of the pan, wearing gloves to protect your hands. You may need to heat up the water a little more to get the tablet to start breaking down. Scrub the pan in circular motions, paying extra attention to the most burnt parts.

As you scrub, you will notice the water in the pan turning dark brown as the grease and burnt-on food particles are lifted. The dishwasher tablet will also change colour as it works. Once the tablet has completely dissolved, leave the powder residue on the pan for about 10 minutes. Finally, wash the pan with hot, soapy water as normal.

This method is very easy and effective, although it may take a bit longer to break down the tablet and remove the most stubborn marks. Overall, dishwasher tablets are a great option for cleaning burnt pans, leaving them sparkling and spotless.

Lemon boil

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Quarter two or three lemons and set them aside. You will need enough lemons to fill the pan with a few inches of water.

Step 2: Boil the Lemons

Place the quartered lemons in your pan and add enough water to cover the lemons by a few inches. Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let the lemons boil for 5-10 minutes, or until you start to see food particles floating to the surface. The acid in the lemons will help break down the burnt grease and food particles, making them easier to remove.

Step 3: Discard the Lemons and Water

Once the water has boiled and the food particles have loosened, carefully pour out the hot water and lemons. Be sure to discard them safely, as the water will still be very hot. You may want to use a strainer to catch the lemons and prevent any small pieces from going down the drain.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub the Pan

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining lemon juice and loose particles. Then, use a scouring pad or scrub brush to remove any leftover burnt-on food or grease. If necessary, add a small amount of dish soap to your scouring pad to help cut through the grease.

Tips for Using the Lemon Boil Method:

• For tougher grease or burn stains, you can let the lemon water mixture simmer for a longer time. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and add more water as needed to keep the lemons covered.
• If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you can use half a lemon to scour the pan directly after boiling. Just sprinkle some baking soda in the pan and use the cut side of the lemon to scrub the baking soda slurry around.
• Lemon boil is not recommended for non-stick pans as the acid from the lemons can damage the coating. For non-stick pans, try using a paste of baking soda and water instead.
• Always use caution when handling hot water and lemons to avoid burns.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

First, rinse your dirty pot or pan in hot water and drain it. Then, sprinkle two to three tablespoons of baking soda into the pan. Add a few teaspoons of hot water to form a paste with the baking soda. Take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and use it to scrub the pan until all the burnt debris lifts off. Finally, rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to finish cleaning.

If you don't have any aluminium foil, you can use a non-scratch sponge or scouring pad instead. You may need to repeat the process if the baking soda gets dirty, making it hard to see which areas still need attention.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, scrub the surface with a soft, wet cloth, using just the moisture on the pan's surface to turn the powder into a paste. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or rag. Be sure to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin as the powder is abrasive.

For pans with burnt-on grease, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water, and apply it to the pan. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Rinse the pan with clean water.

For stainless steel pans, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and water, and apply it to the pan. Let it sit for one minute, and then rub the paste in a circular motion from the centre outward. Wash the pan in hot soapy water, and rinse and repeat as needed.

Frequently asked questions